Bread and Butter Pickles

Posted in Recipe Collections / Grammie’s Recipes: From the Kitchen of Elsie Damren
Bread and Butter Pickles
Embark on a journey to create the quintessential American classic, Bread and Butter Pickles, with this simple yet delicious recipe. This delightful pickle variety is known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it a perfect companion for sandwiches, burgers, or as a standalone snack. The unique combination of spices and the crispiness of the cucumbers ensure that these pickles will be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

  • 2 dozen cucumbers
  • 3 or 4 large onions
  • 1 quart vinegar
  • 1 pint water
  • 2-4 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp alum (for crispness)
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • 1 tsp turmeric

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Slice the cucumbers and onions thinly. Soak them in salt water overnight to ensure crispness. The next day, drain them well.

  2. Cook the Brine: In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, pepper, alum, dry mustard, celery seed, and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

  3. Pickle the Vegetables: Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the boiling brine. Heat everything through but do not boil, to maintain the vegetables' crispness.

  4. Canning: While the mixture is still hot, pack the pickles into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Seal the jars while hot to ensure a proper vacuum seal.

  5. Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. Check the seals before storing them in a cool, dark place.

A Slice of History: The Story of Bread and Butter Pickles

The tradition of pickling stretches back thousands of years, serving as a crucial method for preserving food across various cultures. In the tapestry of American culinary history, pickles have secured their place as both a beloved snack and a versatile ingredient, with Bread and Butter Pickles emerging as a distinctly sweet and tangy variety. This particular type of pickle, believed to have been named during the Great Depression, was a cost-effective way to transform simple, often home-grown cucumbers into a flavorful condiment that could brighten up any meal. The name itself hints at the pickles being considered so essential that they were as staple as bread and butter in households.

Crunch Time: Secrets to the Perfect Pickle

Achieving the perfect crunch in your Bread and Butter Pickles is an art that can elevate the pickle from good to unforgettable. The key to this delightful texture lies in the use of alum, a compound that helps maintain the firmness of the cucumbers throughout the pickling process. However, the crispness also depends on the freshness of the cucumbers and the time they spend soaking in the brine. For those looking to avoid alum, using fresh, firm cucumbers and ensuring they are not overcooked during the heating process are vital steps to preserving their natural crunch.

Beyond the Jar: Creative Ways to Savor Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and Butter Pickles are not just for snacking; they offer a world of culinary uses that can add depth and zest to many dishes. Their unique blend of sweetness and acidity makes them an ideal topping for burgers and sandwiches, cutting through the richness of meats and cheeses with a refreshing crunch. Chopped finely, they can be a delightful addition to potato or tuna salads, providing bursts of flavor in every bite. For a creative twist, try incorporating them into your next charcuterie board or using the pickle juice as a salad dressing base for an extra kick of flavor.

Sweet, Tangy, and Everything Nice: Exploring the Appeal of Bread and Butter Pickles

Incorporating Bread and Butter Pickles into your cooking not only adds a delicious layer of taste but also connects you to a rich tradition of American home cooking. Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the jar or as part of a larger dish, these pickles are a testament to the timeless appeal of pickling and its ongoing legacy in kitchens across the country.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 cucumber
  • Servings Per Recipe: 24
  • Calories: 116

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 2.9g (4% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 0.4g (2% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)
  • Sodium: 455mg (20% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22.9g (8% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.9g (14% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 3.4g
  • Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
  • Calcium: 386mg (30% DV)
  • iron: 6mg (33% DV)
  • Potassium: 414mg (9% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.